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Cruise Blog
Yet, when we look at the reality
of the situation, the opposite is true.
Let's take a look at a well
known and popular travel agents' web site – Alaska
Cruisetours Online - there you will find a wealth of
information on a niche area of travel ( Alaska ). If a consumer
already knows, for example, that they want to go on an Alaska
Cruise or Cruise Tour, the depth of resources on the Alaska
Cruisetours Online web site as well as many other Alaska
tour operator’s web sites is impressive. Their staff are
certified experts in their field of travel, and unlike
telemarketer's, they have "been there-done that" and are eager
to share their experiences with you. These sites have
personality and confidently speaks to exactly what the cruise
traveler is looking for in their cruise vacation experience.
Many consumers draw the incorrect
assumption that using a travel agent will cost them more, but in
almost all cases that involve cruises and cruisetours,
the cruise line covers the cost of doing business with you, in
the form of giving the travel agent a commission.
In fact, doing business with a Travel Agent should save you money. First, Travel Agents have niche expertise, they know how to fit the right cruise experience to your lifestyle and offer something no cruise line offers: choice. The reservation person at the cruise line's call center are not trained as consultants and will not recommend their competitors. These call center telemarketers will not assist the consumer in shopping around for the best value. Their job is to sell you what their bosses tell them to offer. Some will not voluntarily offer up the best price available; say a senior rate, resident special offer, special kids fare, or military deal unless you ask for it. A good travel agent knows where to find these kind of offers and will work with you as your consultant. Instead of being limited to one cruise line's offerings, the entire array of options, discounts, deals and possible cruise lines, ships and land tours is open for your consideration.
Did You Know:
The cruise
lines do not charge additional costs when an agent is involved
and you don't get a better price for not using an agent.
Perks That Work: A Travel Agent can sweeten the deal with FREE cabin upgrades, and/or Shipboard spending credits of up to $500, depending upon what category cabin you book. Perhaps, throw in a Spa treatment, trip insurance, a bottle of wine or a complimentary portrait, shot by the ship's photographer. These valuable perks often are not coming from the cruise line, as your travel agent may pay for them, as an incentive to get and keep your business.
What we have here is a failure
to understand the travel agent’s value. Cruise lines that
heavily promote direct sales do a great disservice to the consumer. By
utilizing the professional tools available, your Travel Agent
has an established long standing working relationship with the
cruise lines, and can assist you with evaluating which cruise
line, cruise ship and land tour is the best match for your
needs, desires and budget. And the best part, this personal
service doesn't cost you dime. The cruise lines pick up the tab.
If you really want to get the best service and greater value for your cruise vacation dollar, find a Travel Agent who's business is based on consultation and long-tern relationships. No doubt you'll save time and money, but you'll also get great service and the satisfaction of knowing someone was right there, working for you. COMMENTS
Cruise Ship Reviews: Carnival • Celebrity • Cruise West • Crystal • Cunard • Disney • Avalon Waterways • Holland America • NCL • Oceania • Princess • Regent • Royal Caribbean • Seabourn • SeaDream • Viking River • Windstar
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content to support their advertisement. This is Paid Advertising. The links lead to sites where advertisers offer cruise travel services that may be related to the content on the page. The advertising label "Ads by Google" is intended to distinguish such paid links from content selected by our editors.
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